Post by robincragin on Nov 5, 2015 11:52:42 GMT -5
How attuned are you to the cycling of the Sun and Moon? What season is it outside-right now? Do you know the dates of when one season passes and when the next begins? Do you know the moon’s phase? If you are like most people, you rarely take notice of the passage of the moon through her monthly cycles, or the sun as it moves through its annual progression of solstices and equinoxes. Most of us take note of season and details such as the patterns of weather, heat or cold, only when it affects our health or recreational possibilities. But in the world of Witchcraft, the stage and location in the heavens of the sun and moon signify magical and spiritual energy tides.
Because of this, Witches place great attention to the cycling of these two magical luminaries. In Wicca, there are eight seasonal festivals, or Sabbats, that occur as the sun progresses through the seasons of the year. Likewise, as the moon gains and sheds light throughout its 28-day cycle, Witches plan their Esbats, their magical lunar celebrations.
Keeping track of the sun and moon are basic to Wiccan practice and folks new to the path would be wise to attend to these cycles. To begin, check your local newspaper to find out the moon’s current phase. The waxing moon is from the first phase to the end of the second phase. The full moon rises during the end of the second phase. The waning moon occurs during the third and the fourth moon phases.
The seasons occur as the sun progresses through the solstices and equinoxes. The Winter Solstice occurs when the sun enters the astrological sign of Capricorn (usually between December 20-23). Spring Equinox occurs when the sun enters the sign of Aries (between March 20-23). Summer Solstice happened as the sun enters the sign of Cancer (between June 20-23), and the Fall Equinox happens when the sun enters Libra (somewhere between September 20-23).
Exercise: Sun and Moon Cycles
The Farmer’s Almanac (available at most bookstores and through online services) can tell you when the seasons change. You can also check with an astrological ephemeris, which charts the passage of the sun and the planets of the solar system as they progress through the twelve constellations.
In later days you will discover the importance of knowing these luminaries and their rhythms, but for now, develop a habit of knowing the cycles of the sun and moon on a regular basis. This alone will begin the process of attuning you to the energies of the goddess and god.
Because of this, Witches place great attention to the cycling of these two magical luminaries. In Wicca, there are eight seasonal festivals, or Sabbats, that occur as the sun progresses through the seasons of the year. Likewise, as the moon gains and sheds light throughout its 28-day cycle, Witches plan their Esbats, their magical lunar celebrations.
Keeping track of the sun and moon are basic to Wiccan practice and folks new to the path would be wise to attend to these cycles. To begin, check your local newspaper to find out the moon’s current phase. The waxing moon is from the first phase to the end of the second phase. The full moon rises during the end of the second phase. The waning moon occurs during the third and the fourth moon phases.
The seasons occur as the sun progresses through the solstices and equinoxes. The Winter Solstice occurs when the sun enters the astrological sign of Capricorn (usually between December 20-23). Spring Equinox occurs when the sun enters the sign of Aries (between March 20-23). Summer Solstice happened as the sun enters the sign of Cancer (between June 20-23), and the Fall Equinox happens when the sun enters Libra (somewhere between September 20-23).
Exercise: Sun and Moon Cycles
The Farmer’s Almanac (available at most bookstores and through online services) can tell you when the seasons change. You can also check with an astrological ephemeris, which charts the passage of the sun and the planets of the solar system as they progress through the twelve constellations.
In later days you will discover the importance of knowing these luminaries and their rhythms, but for now, develop a habit of knowing the cycles of the sun and moon on a regular basis. This alone will begin the process of attuning you to the energies of the goddess and god.
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